Nexus Experience-Not what I expected.

[thetreble 19]

So,

I was a little late (20 mins) for my Nexus appt. at the Toronto airport so was worried they wouldn't take me but luckily they did.

Not so lucky was the way the office was run or the way I felt I was treated. It wasn't that bad but at the same time some things made me a little disappointed.

First of all, there is no sign to tell you to wait outside the office until you are called in. I saw some seats so, logically, walked to sit down. I was then yelled at by a guy in NO uniform at all that said, "Miss, do you have an appointment?" I replied that yes, I did. He then said, "Wait outside until they call you in."

Okay. Why? So I did.

About 15 minutes later I was taken first to the Canadian side who was like, "please remember that you need to update your immigration documents like your passport". And I was thinking..my passport is GOOD until May 2011 so why would he say that. He then said to me very rudely, "You are now a visitor to Canada, remember that". I wanted to be like.."F-you! this is STILL my country!"

I then had to do the Iris scans adn they guy was SO rude. He was like, "Maam, we will be here all day if you don't start taking some good pictures" and "open your eyes as if you've seen a ghost..you aren't opening them wide enough" (So, ie. you want it to look like I'm surprised? Pretty unnatural. The iris scan was not very user friendly and I had a hard time standing in the right spot for them to take the picture.

Eventually I got passed on to the American side (I had to wait another 10 minutes). The American customs officer started asking me questions about my trips to Cuba. He saw that I had taken three trips there BEFORE I had even met my husband!!! So he started to ask me questions like.."Do you have family there?", "Why would you go there so many times?", 'Do you realize as a permanent resident of the United States that you are forbidden to travel there?"

I was so taken back as these weren't even questions I got asked when I Immigrated to the US.

It took me longer to get the application completed for the NEXUS card than I waited for my immigration interview. There were 3 people ahead of me at the NEXUS office and 50 people when I went for my AOS interview!!!

The US BP Office then started giving me scenarios as to why my card would get taken away. "If you go into a NEXUS line without your card, at any time, it will be revoked.." I'm like..:"okaayyy"

And then he started telling me about how they hold NEXUS card holders to a higher standard of immigration and crossing border procedures and that I will get pulled into secondary very often if I even try to bring an apple across the border.

At the end the American guy softened up and we were talking about New Jersey but to be honest, I was really surprised at the service. I know they have to keep an eye out for those who might be attempting to break the law, but that doesn't mean you shoudn't be nice and respectful of people who are paying for a service.

[trailmix 77]

Wow that sounds awful.

I agree with you, there is no reason for them to be rude to you, what do they think they accomplish by doing that.

What is up with the Canadian guy saying you are a visitor in Canada??

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Wow! Visitor in Canada? You're a Canadian citizen for goodness sakes!

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[mikey78 6]

very strange...as long as you are Canadian you are always home in Canada...sorry you had to go through this...

[thetreble 19]

It's okay! I was as shocked as you guys are. I didn't know what he was insinuating by that comment. I may be technically a visitor now, but it's still my home and it's the only citizenship I currently have. It was just a very surprised that he said that.

I mean in the end I completed everything, but then I still have to wait for the card. It just took so long.

[trailmix 77]

It's okay! I was as shocked as you guys are. I didn't know what he was insinuating by that comment. I may be technically a visitor now, but it's still my home and it's the only citizenship I currently have. It was just a very surprised that he said that.

I mean in the end I completed everything, but then I still have to wait for the card. It just took so long.

You are not even technically a visitor!

You know what, I bet that is what he says to all Americans who are applying for Nexus and he said it by mistake

Edited July 2, 2009 by trailmix

[JillA 2]

That sucks.... but in a way it doesn't surprise me, as border officers are often rude and abrasive. They have a "holier than thou" attitude, alot of them anyway. I don't think it's right that they treat people that way, but they often do

Edited July 2, 2009 by JillA

[Sprailenes 47]

Aww that stanks Amanda. But you got the pass right?

[CDAgirlMI 51]

Doesn't surprise me. I had trouble with the iris scanning thing too. BUT, it is EASY to use when you have to use it at the kiosks, so don't worry!!

The Americans had that big ego attitude too. Questioning me on the fact that I have a boyfriend in the US & "how do we know you're not going to abuse the Nexus system & not return to Canada"?!?!?!? I just answered their questions very calmly because I know I wasn't a criminal & I wanted that card!!

Glad you got it though! You'll absolutely love it! It'll be worth the interrogating nonsense!

[thetreble 19]

So I used to NEXUS program on the way back to the US today. IT WAS AWESOME! I felt so good as the 100+ person line was lined up to clear US customs in Pearson airport and I was through in less than 1 minute!

[JillA 2]

So I used to NEXUS program on the way back to the US today. IT WAS AWESOME! I felt so good as the 100+ person line was lined up to clear US customs in Pearson airport and I was through in less than 1 minute!

Soooo cool! So you got the card on the spot, you didn't have to wait for a background check, etc. and for them to mail it to ya!?

[thetreble 19]

I don't have the card yet. They said it takes about 3 weeks but you don't need your card at the kiosk machines because they are done with retinal scans. I just look into the camera and it knows who I am

[JillA 2]

I don't have the card yet. They said it takes about 3 weeks but you don't need your card at the kiosk machines because they are done with retinal scans. I just look into the camera and it knows who I am

That sounds great! I may consider getting one at some point, the only thing that discourages me is they don't have a Nexus lane at Queenston which is where I always drive through. But, the airport often has a large customs lineup so it would help for that!

[Krikit 1,163]

Oh wow. I'm sorry they were so rude to you. On the bright side.... you have a NEXUS card!

That sounds great! I may consider getting one at some point, the only thing that discourages me is they don't have a Nexus lane at Queenston which is where I always drive through.

Go through the Peace Bridge!!!

(My personal animosity against the Queenston/Lewiston POE may have influenced this post. )

[thetreble 19]

I've actually gotta LEARN how to got hrough the peace bridge! If any one can tell me directions to the bridge from the buffalo area I would appreciate it!